Police hunt for missing 'violent' prisoner

7:39pm Thursday 29th May 2014

By Scott D'Arcy

POLICE are appealing to the public to assist in locating a 'high-risk' prisoner with a history of violence who has gone missing.

Edward Stirling, 46, was released on prison licence from HMP Stocken Leicestershire yesterday morning. He was due to travel by taxi and train to accommodation in Gloucester but has failed to report in at the address as directed.

Officers are currently seeking his whereabouts and he is known to have links to the Swindon and Thames Valley area.

Stirling has been assessed as a high risk and police are advising the public not to approach him but to immediately call police via 999.

He is described as a white male, with short cropped dark hair. He is of average build, 5ft 7ins (1.7m) tall, and speaks with a Northern Irish accent. He also has tattoos - a tiger head on his left arm and a saint symbol on his right arm.

Stirling was originally born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and has a history of committing violent offences. These include aggravated burglary, assault and false imprisonment. He has also been known to carry weapons.

He was serving a sentence for an offence committed in Thames Valley, for which he was tried at Oxford Crown Court on 22 May 2012. He was recently released on prison license and was to remain on license until 26 November 2016. This was for possession of a firearm with intent to cause violence.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have information as to his whereabouts. The public are advised not to approach Stirling but to immediately call police via 999.